Jigglypuff's Diary

Volume 1 Chapter 20
Ryouma had lunch with the four members of the Duke’s household.

At the start they were talking about how Elia fought, but midway through Elia suddenly said this.

“By the way Ryouma-san, what were you thinking about a while ago?’
“A while ago? What do you mean?”
“A while ago you were looking around and saying ‘what a waste’, right?”

When Ryouma heard those words, he stiffened.

“Ah, it’s no–nothing special…”

The words that came out were obviously a lie. Since Ryouma wasn’t using his grandparents as an excuse this time, his excuse was very poor, and everyone was able to figure it out.

Elia was the first to point it out.
“How very suspicious, Ryouma-san.”
“You’re not really good at lying.”
Mentioned Rheinbach-sama at the obvious lie.
“Is it something hard to mention?”
“If you have something to say, it’s ok to say it, you know?”
Inquired Rheinhart-san as the madam tried to support Ryouma.

Realizing that his attempt to fool them had failed, he gave up.

“Do you remember the conversation we had before arriving at the Town of Gimuru? That story about the salt mountain.”
Rheinhart-san, suddenly understanding, said.
“Ah… I see. It’s fine, the ones here are just us, Sebasu, Aro-ne, and Lilian. Aro-ne and Lilian won’t spread rumors, and the other men are eating at a different place.”
“I see. Then you know I can use Alchemy, right?”
“Yeah, I’ve heard of it.”

Answered Rheinhart-san as he told Aro-ne and Lilian about Ryouma.

When they heard the word ‘Alchemy’ they were shocked, but did not give any sign of contempt. Ryouma gave a sigh of relief and then began talking.

“This mine will become an abandoned mine, right?” Rheinbach-sama nodded
“That’s right. The papers have already been processed.”
“So what about it?”
“I think I can still produce some iron from this mine if I use Alchemy.”

At those words, this time everyone else aside from Ryouma stiffened.

Rheinbach-sama couldn’t help but ask
“Is that really true?”
“Yes. I once talked about how I managed to remove the poison from the salt in the salt mountain in the Forest of Gana, right?”
“Yes, I’ve heard of it.”
“In the same way I removed the poison from the salt, this time I can gather the soil and produce iron. That red soil is the color of rust. Say, if one were to leave his sword wet, over time it would get rusty, right?”
“Of course.”

“In the same way the soil that has iron content in it will have the same color. That’s why there is definitely iron in that soil. I believe if I use Alchemy’s Separation on that soil once or twice, then I’ll be able to extract a lump of iron. Only thing is, if an abandoned mine were to suddenly start producing iron again, it would cause a fuss, right? So since it’s not possible to get it by digging as you would normally, and since there’s a problem with using Alchemy, I thought, ‘What a waste…’.”
“That’s true but… Ryouma-kun, if you think you can do it, why don’t you try doing it? I actually have a way to sell something like that legally without catching attention.”
“Alright.”

Replied Ryouma cheerfully. After having their meal, the other guards went on their own ways to dispatch the monsters. With them gone, Ryouma and the rest began their operation. Ryouma prepared the magic formation that is essential to Alchemy by drawing a square inside a circle. He then put the reddish soil into a stone container he made using Earth Magic and then placed it on top of the magic formation.

“Then, I’ll start. It’s dangerous, so please do not go inside the magic formation.”

As Ryouma said that he allowed his magic power to flow into the magic formation causing it to illuminate. From inside the shining magic formation, the soil and the stone vessel was being pushed out. When the light had disappeared, all that was left inside the formation was the silver colored sand of iron.

After Ryouma had confirmed that, he quickly drew a pentagram within a circle. He placed the silver colored sand of iron on that and allowed magic to flow into the magic formation.

This is the magic formation when using Alchemy’s ‘Synthesis’. The practitioner needs to know the original material and the material it will synthesize into. From this, the practitioner will be able to make the material on the magic formation synthesize turning it into one lump, making it possible to create an alloy from several metals.

With this, Ryouma turned the iron content he brought out into an iron ingot. Confirming that, he used ‘Identify’. And then this came out:

Iron Ingot
It is an iron ingot with 100% purity.

Having understood that he had succeeded, Ryouma handed the ingot to Rheinhart-san and had him use ‘Identify’ on it.

“You really were able to do it……………………I’m sorry, Ryouma-kun.”

Rheinhart was shocked that Ryouma was actually able to produce iron. While he was dumfounded for a while, he quickly put himself together and bowed his head deeply. At that sudden behavior, Ryouma was at a lost.

“Eh!? Why all of the sudden!? Please raise your head!”

At those words Rheinhart raised his head but he spoke with a face that looked very apologetic.

“Although I didn’t think you’d swindle others, but because there are a lot of people who say they can make gold and swindle others, I thought for sure you wouldn’t be able to do it. I’m sorry for not having been able to trust you.”

When Ryouma finally understood what was bothering Rheinhart, he immediately told him that he doesn’t mind, however, Rheinhart did not look satisfied. Rheinhart kept apologizing, and Ryouma kept forgiving, their conversation kept moving parallel to each other until Elize and Rheinbach finally interfered. When they finished talking, Sebasu spoke up.

“Rheinhart-sama, about this iron…”
“Right! We need to prepare to sell these iron ingots…”
“Unfortunately, we cannot sell these things.”
“What? Why is it no good?”
“This thing is certainly iron and Ryouma-sama’s ability to perform Alchemy is truly awe-inspiring, however, there is just one problem, the purity is too high.”

Having been told that, Rheinhart, Elize, and Rheinbach used ‘Identify’ again. Afterwards, they each breathe out a defeated sigh. Seeing those three’s expressions, Ryouma couldn’t help but ask what was wrong.

Apparently in this world, the highest purity that can be sold has 10% impurity. And the inferior ones have greater than 40%. If there happened to be an iron with 0% impurity, meaning a pure iron, there would be a huge commotion over it and there would be many people who would try to find out the manufacturing method.

Receiving that explanation, Ryouma realized what the problem was. At the same time, he thought of a way to fix it.

Ryouma quickly drew a hexagram within a circle, and put on top of it the ingot and the soil he got when he extracted the iron. And then he allowed his magic power to flow into the formation.

The hexagram formation is for using Alchemy’s ‘Mixing’. Using this, one will be able to mix several materials without bias. Because of this, Ryouma was able to lower the purity of the ingot by mixing it with the original material. As a result its color changed to black. When he used identify on it this came out,

Iron Ingot
An iron ingot with 10% impurity

When he gave it to Rheinhart-san, they couldn’t help but be shocked. At the same time, though, they showed great joy since with this, it can now be sold.

After that, because Rheinhart and Sebasu-san were figuring out who to sell the iron to, the afternoon monster hunt party ended up becoming Ryouma, Elia, Elize and Rheinbach.

“Good grief, I’m happy that guy is trying to improve the town I made but when he’s like that, he becomes impossible to deal with.”
Grumbled, Rheinbach.
“Really, father…”
The madam looked at Rheinhart and asked
“I’m troubled that you’re neglecting Ryouma and Elia. You don’t think so?”

“I am also a part of the cause… and also isn’t it better that Rheinhart-san is doing his work rather than being lazy.”

Because Ryouma was also the same kind of person who would lose track of everything around him when caught up in his work, it wasn’t actually possible for him to scold Rheinhart.

The madam helplessly said、

“Well that’s true… ah, we arrived.”

Ryouma and Elia arrived in front of the entrance to another tunnel.

“Well then, from here on you guys decide on how to move. I and father-in-law will only go along with you guys from here on. We’ll save you when it gets dangerous, but aside from that we won’t do anything at all.”
“Since this is to help Elia gain some experience and since Ryouma-kun already has some experience, Ryouma will also have to step back. If she needs help, at most just talk to her.”
 
Suddenly having a problem pushed onto you, a normal person would be troubled. Elia, however, was someone who had always received their training. And so this is how she replied,

“I understand, I’ll do my best.”

From the looks of things, it would appear she’s used to suddenly being given a problem. 

“It’s dark and I can’t see very well.”

Elia was different compared to Ryouma who had always hunted during the night in the forest.

“Ryouma-san, what do you do when hunting during the night?”
“If you do it for a long time you’ll get used to it but… if it’s ok for us to be seen, then it’s fine to use the light magic, ‘light’ as many times as you want. If you don’t want to be found out then using the neutral magic, ‘Search’ would be best. There’s still a chance of being discovered through the perception of magic but it’s still better than ‘Light’.”
“I can’t use Search. Can Ryouma-san use Search?”
“I can use it.”
“How do I use it? I know the theory, but I don’t actually know how to apply it.”

Hearing that, Ryouma thought for a while. Then he created a container made out of stone with earth magic and filled it up with water using water magic.

“Please look at this.”
“What will you do with this?”

Ryouma showed the vessel to Elia, and then dropped a rock in the middle of it causing waves to rise within the small vessel.

“The center of the rock is one’s self. The waves are the flow of magic power. Imagine yourself to be at the center and allow your magic power to become like these waves of water. Then allow it to spread to your surroundings where you think the monster may be.”

Ryouma then, continued to drop small rocks on the vessel while sinking the waves with water magic. After a while, he dropped a rock one more time, but this time the wave could clearly be seen stopping at some point when it hit a rock. 

“In a similar sense, this is how a monster could interrupt the wave you are releasing, and is the reaction that you will get when using Search if there is a person or a monster in the area.”
“I get it. That explanation was really easy to understand. Well then, ‘Search’ !”

Elia immediately invocated the magic, ‘Search’. At that instant, magic power flowed into the surroundings with Elia as its center.

“There are a lot of monsters just a little bit ahead of us!”
“Looks like it worked, unfortunately though, you put too much magic power. Using a lot is a waste, and also if there were a magician on their side, we’d be found out.”
“Is that so? Looks like I need to practice.”
“Search goes alongside with the duty of the vanguard, so I’ll do it. It will be better for Elia to focus on magic.”
“I understand. Thank you, Ryouma-san.”

Ryouma nodded and invocated ‘Search’. And as Elia mentioned, there were a lot of monsters ahead.

“If we go this way, the road will get wider and there’s an empty cave ahead. I am getting a lot of response from the ceiling of that place. It looks like there are plenty of monsters filling the ceiling, they’re probably cave bats.”
Rheinbach-san nodded,
“If they’re in the ceiling, then they’re probably cave bats.”
The Madam followed,
“If there’s so much of them that they’re filling up the ceiling then… Elia, will you be alright?”
“They’re small and on top of that they’re fast, so one or two would be good practice, but…”
Said Rheinbach-sama.
“Then in that case, do you mind if I try out an experiment?’
Hearing that, the three couldn’t help but ask at the same time,
“Experiment?”
“Yes. If it goes well I may be able to round up the bats.”

Ryouma then explained while he confirmed the bat’s ecology.

At that, he found out that the Cave Bat’s ecology is not that different from the bats of Earth. Knowing that, Ryouma proposed the use of sound. He figured, if they were to use a magic that can create a powerful sound, it should be able to knock the cave bats out.

Actually, while he was living in the forest, Ryouma was able to create several sound magic.

A magic that silences the sound surrounding the target, ‘Silent’. A magic that does the opposite and makes the sound louder, ‘Big Voice’. A magic that allows sound to reach far, ‘Whisper’. While practicing Big Sound, Ryouma was accidently able to produce a sound explosion capable of destroying the ear drums, which he called ‘Stun Sound’ and by combining it with ‘Whisper’ he was able to create a remote non-lethal magic called ‘Sound Bomb.

Sound Bomb is extremely powerful but it has the downside of making a big noise. Using this magic, it was possible to destroy the ear drums of the Black Bear in one shot, causing it to faint. Ryouma figured that if this was used against the bats it would have some effect.

Only, there were currently three problems. The first is whether or not the noise it produces will cause the tunnel to collapse or not, the second is whether there are people around or not and the last one is what will happen if it fails to dispose of the bats.

Ryouma asked Rheinbach about the first question and as it turns out, since the tunnel has been strengthened by earth magic, there’s nothing to worry about regarding the cave collapsing. As for the second problem, it’s possible to figure out if there are any people around by just using ‘Search’ and then in the instance that the ‘Sound Bomb’ fails to dispose of the bats, then Ryouma will deal with it using the slimes.

Ryouma brought out the Sticky Slime from the Dimension Home and using ‘Enlarge’ had it block the tunnel, giving it the order to act as some kind of net. The slime, following that order, used the ‘Sticky Liquid’ to create a net. Ryouma then put up a sound proofing barrier preventing the sound from the outside from going inside.

“ ‘Search’ ……………… Good, there’s no one there. The preparations have been completed.”
Rheinbach nodded
“We’re ready as well, you can go anytime you want.”
“Then in that case, ‘Sound Bomb’ “

At that instance, a tremendous sound erupted like an explosion from outside the barrier, echoing within the tunnels.

The cave bats in the ceiling of the tunnel were unable to run and most of them fainted. The ones that were able to run away were only 10, but those cave bats were unable to fly steadily and ended up hitting against the walls. There were also some bats that went over to Ryouma’s side, but they got caught in the net and was unable to move.

“Looks like a success. Let’s go.”

Removing the barrier and the slime’s net, the four headed over to where the bats were. When they got there, a significant number of cave bats could be seeing lying on the floor.
 
Seeing that, Rheinbach and the Madam couldn’t help but praise,
“This is amazing.”
“It’s true that cave bats aren’t particularly dangerous, but they’re kind of hard to kill. To think that a child would be able to deal with them so easily, I don’t think something like this has happened before.”
“Amazing, Ryouma-san!”
“The experiment seemed to have ended well. Ah… these, is it ok if I feed these to my slimes?”
“Well cave bats don’t really sell that well so…”

Hearing that, Ryouma made the sticky slime split and had the 364 sticky slimes eat all of the cave bats. After that, Ryouma felt that the sticky slimes have become able to split again, so he decided to have them split once he got back home to the lodging.

After that, Ryouma and his slime continued to support Elia while she hunted the small rats for the next hour.

Afterwards, the four people left the tunnel. After they had rested, they were planning to go to the next dungeon, but at that moment, Rheinhart came over. And then he said,

“Ryouma-kun, can you make a few more samples of the iron we are going to sell?”

And so, because of that, Ryouma had to separate from the others to make more ingots.

He finished the ingots fairly quickly, but the three had already gone into the tunnel. Being bored, Ryouma thought of entering a tunnel but instead started making the slimes split.

However that also ended in an hour and without anything to do, Ryouma took out the slimes from the Dimension Home and passed the time by training.

Ryouma used Earth Magic to make a rod out of stone and used it along with his fists to hit the slimes. In response, the slimes either dodged that or defended.

Ryouma did something like this from time to time while in the forest to train the slimes. The slimes may be weak monsters but unless one hits the nucleus inside their body or hits the soft semi-liquid body of theirs, they can’t die.

The slime can make the nucleus inside its body go anywhere. So when Ryouma is fighting the slimes, the slimes move the nucleus to the opposite direction to protect it and escape from the attack with its semi-liquid body. In the instance where it is kicked to the ground, the slimes can do the same thing to negate the damage.

Right after taming it wasn’t possible, but after being together for a long time, Ryouma began to see the slimes making skillful movement and so he began the training.

Ryouma focused on teaching the slimes the foundation of battle techniques on dodging and defending. Like going under the bosom of the opponent coming at you to cut you down to dodge, and entwining yourself around the hand holding the sword that has come near you or making use of the semi-liquid body and using the enemy’s weapon to parry.

Moreover, while slimes are normally unable to fight except by ramming their body against their opponents, Ryouma’s slimes are able to extend tentacles and use it like some sort of whip. There are also some that can counter attack with weapons as if they were using their hands. Nowadays there are slimes that can extend their bodies and use spears and pseudo-rod techniques.

Also, while Ryouma was practicing with the slimes, Lilian was watching. Lilian couldn’t’ believe her eyes when she saw the slimes executing movements that slimes normally couldn’t, however, Ryouma didn’t notice this.

After this, Lilian went to Sebasu and asked, “Are Slimes able to use battle techniques?” Because of that Sebasu began to worry about her health. Fortunately though, she was able to solve the misunderstanding when she mentioned that she was talking about Ryouma’s slimes. However, being unable to believe that slimes could use battle techniques, Sebasu said, “Ryouma-sama’s slimes are able to perform skillful movements so maybe that’s what you saw?” Hearing that, Lilian was convinced and she forgot about the slimes.

“Ryouma-san!”
“Elia, you’re done with your training?”
“Yes, the training for today has ended. But more than that, I have a present for Ryouma san.”
“Present?”
“Fufufu… If it’s Ryouma, I wonder if you’ll like it?”

As Elia and Elize said that, Rheinbach came with a box made out of a stone. Looks like it was made with earth magic.

“Inside this is a magical beast, it’s weak but you should still be careful.”

Hearing that it’s a magical beast, Ryouma opened the lid while being cautious. In the next moment, Ryouma was captivated when he saw what was inside.

“Slime?”

What was inside was a dark grey Slime. It was obviously not a normal slime, but it was a kind of slime Ryouma had never seen.

“It’s a high class slime called Metal Slime. We saw it by chance so we caught it.”
“Thank you very much! I’m really happy! To have another slime, and what’s more, a new kind…”

Ryouma gave his thanks to the other three and then began to observe the slime. The three were happy that Ryouma happily received it but when he started observing, they couldn’t help but give a wry smile. At that, Rheinbach reminded Ryouma,

“Even if it’s a slime it’s still a magical beast so it’ll be better for you to make a contract with it now.”

As if he head just remembered it when Rheinbach mentioned it, Ryouma enacted the Slave Monster Contract. After that, until it was time to go back, Ryouma made some iron out of the red soil and gave it to the slime, wondering whether or not it would eat it.

The result was that the metal slime did in fact eat the lump of iron but needed time. So instead he used Alchemy to turn the ingot into its previous sand like state and the slime was able to eat it quickly.

Ryouma hypothesized that the slime had most likely eaten the soil with metal content, and as a result it ended up evolving like that.

And so he thought of using the sand-like iron that the metal slime liked to eat as lure. And then made a contract with the lured slime. He continued to feed the slime iron for the sake of ascertaining of whether or not the evolution condition is to feed it metal. If it does evolve, then that will prove that the hypothesis is correct.

After that, he was told that they were about to leave and so Ryouma got permission from Rheinhart to get a huge amount of red soil as feed for the slime, and put it in a corner in his Dimension Home.

He used ‘Create Block’ on the red soil and had the slimes transport it. Like this he was able to secure a huge number of red soil. At this point, Ryouma began to feel that he’s starting to reach the limit of his magic power. A sensation that he hasn’t felt in a while.

Ryouma rode the carriage in that condition and was heading for the town but while he was there, Rheinhart told him this,

“I know you’re tired and I’m sorry about this, but can you go with me for a while? I want to go to the place of the person who will work with us to sell the iron, the slime thread, and the water proof cloth that you made. He’s a trustworthy person, so I thought of introducing Ryouma-kun as well.”

Since Ryouma-kun was only a little tired, he felt that there was nothing wrong with going, and he agreed.

After that, 1 hour had passed and they finally reached the town. They then stopped in front of a huge shop.

“Well, well. What a pleasant surprise to have the members of the Duke’s Household come. Welcome.”

When they entered the store, they immediately went deep inside the shop and entered a big room. When they got there, another man entered as well. That man couldn’t really be called fat, but he certainly had a stout figure. 


When he came, Rheinhart greeted him,
“Serge, it’s been a while.”
“Yes. It’s unfortunate that I am unable to get many opportunities to meet with the members of the Duke’s Household like this. But I’m happy to see that you are all doing well. 

And as for this young lad here, I believe it’s the first time we’ve met. My name is Serge Morgan. I am the president of the Morgan Firm.”

“I am Ryouma Takebayashi. Because of some twist of fate I’ve come to be in the care of the Jamil Household. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Although Serge was surprised at Ryouma’s manner of speech, he showed a smile. And in response Ryouma also smiled. And although this man’s manner of speech was similar to Matthew of the Tamer Guild, Ryouma wasn’t able to feel the sort of ill will he felt from Matthew.

Like this their greetings ended, and they went onto the main topic.

When I opened my eyes the sun was already high.

Ah~…… I slept well. It’s been a while since I last worked that hard….. Hmm… the sun’s already high……

…………………The sun is high? ………… Not good!

“Good morning, Ryouma-sama.”
“Sebasu-san, what’s the time right now?”
“It’s already almost lunch. As expected Ryouma-sama must have been really tired. It’s good that Ryouma-sama seemed to have had a good night’s rest, will you be having your meal now?”
“Thank you but I have to go to the guild now so I’ll have it when I come back.”
“Alright.”

I quickly get myself readied and head towards the guild. This is bad, there’s no more time. I guess I’ll have to do it.

I put up a Barrier of Concealment around me and, wrapping my magic around me to strengthen my body, I activate the neutral magic, Body Strengthening.

Using my strengthened body, I run up to the roof of the nearest building, and ran on top of the roof. I then activate the short distance movement space magic, teleport, and then run straight for the guild. Like this, I somehow managed to make it by noon.

“Excuse me”

Everyone was already gathered when I got to the room.

“You came, Ryouma. With this, everyone’s gathered.”
“Sorry for making you wait”
“You managed to make it just in time, so don’t mind it. Then, let’s get started. Your payment for this job!

I got 3 medium silver coins from the previous latrine pit job I took. The one I got today was 30 small gold coins. As for the others, they all got 10 small gold coins each.

“Hey, hey, old man, aren’t you being unusually generous?”
“Seriously. You gave it, so we’ll accept it but you do know that all we did was look out, right?”Asked Jeff-san and Wereanna-san because of the unusually high amount. Even the veteran dwarf adventurer, Gordon, asked
 “Isn’t the pay too high? Even if you say that we were near a place from where an infectious disease might spread, it’s not like we actually did anything directly. Just half of this would be fine, no?’
The guild master just shook his head though, and said
“Nah, that amount is undoubtedly correct. The reason for that is…… Ryouma”
“Yes?”

“You said it, right? That the name of the infectious disease in the latrine pit was the Idake Disease, right?”
“Yes, I had confirmed it with, Identify, therefore it is definitely correct.
“Apparently that disease is quite problematic. You see, I asked some trashy old hag I know about the details regarding that, and as it turns out it has a pretty low death rate. Only, it spreads fast, and it leaves its survivors unable to move their limbs. But since, being unable to move also means being unable to work, in the end it’s pretty much the same as dying.

And so, the reward for this time’s job is because of that. Although it doesn’t have a high death rate, the old ones and kids have a high chance of dying and as for those that do survive, including adults, they’ll all end up unable to work. So I’m paying you that much after taking that into consideration.”

When the guild master finished explaining, everyone broke out into a cold sweat.

Looks like it was really dangerous…… Although it’s also because of the after effects, but not being able to work is just too much of a hit since you won’t be able to make a living. In a world without insurance or a country that will offer relief for its citizens, it’s a lethal strike. In the end, if one were to catch that disease, it could lead to only one conclusion, starvation.

“It’s good that we were able to stop it ahead of time, nya……”
“In a sense you could say that it’s scarier than a disease with a high death rate”
“If you catch it and die, you pass on. But if you manage to survive, then in its own way, you get to enter hell.”

As the direction of the conversation moved, the Guild Master mentioned this
“This time the public office seemed to have taken quite a scolding. As for what’s going to happen to the janitorial position of the latrine pits… right now, it’s quite a mess”
Wereanna-san gave him a questioning look and asked
“You mean, they’re not giving it back to the people of the slum?”
“Unfortunately, that’s impossible. Even if you tell them that the top executive responsible for giving out low wages has been fired and that you’ll be paying the former amount, it doesn’t really seem like they’re willing to believe it. And also, apparently, they were given a new job, and also from their point of view…

Other towns aside, since this town here is near a mine. There are a lot of jobs here that people don’t like to do, physical labor, dirty labor… those kinds of stuff. But because there those kind of jobs are numerous, the people of the slum are able to find new work. So it’s not like there’s any particular reason to make a fuss over the job of cleaning the latrine pits…

And first of all, the one at fault was the public office. They also can’t tell them to stop their job and come work for them again so from the looks of things they just gave up on trying to employ the slum”

“Then, what’s going to happen? This time we got lucky that Ryouma noticed it but it will be bad if this happens again.”
“That’s right, putting it bluntly, it’s because we’d be paid that the guild was able to push it on to us. But from now here on out, the guild we’ll probably have to force the people that have a lot of failed missions or those that broken the rules to take on the job.”

“That kind of thing, just leave it to them, they’ll figure something out.”
“Don’t say it so casually…”
“Please do calm down, I’ll also take requests while I’m in the town, so please think of something during that time.”
“Thanks.”
“Nya? Does Ryouma live in a different town somewhere?”
“Acutally, I don’t live in a town but in a forest.”
“Forest?”
“Do you know the forest of Gana? From here it will take around 1 week to get there…”
“If I’m correct it’s the one close to the town of Gaunago, right?”
“That’s right. I live deep inside that forest.”
“In the forest? Why in a place like that?”

“It’s because I’m an orphan. Unfortunately, though, my grandparents that picked me up passed away, and the village we lived in was particularly cruel to outsiders, so in the end I had no choice but to leave the village. Fortunately, my grandparents were adventurers and had given me the knowledge and skill I would need to survive. Thanks to that, I was able to live by myself in the forest. I did live in the forest for 3 years, so I wonder if it’s because of that, that I’m starting to find it more comfortable to live in the forest rather than in a place with people.”

“3 years!?’
“Wait a moment. Ryouma-kun, how old are you?”
“11 years old.”
“So you’ve been living by yourself in the forest since you were 8 years old?”
“You’re crazy…”
“Then, how come you’re in a village like this?”

“Well I had been wondering if it was really ok to continue that lifestyle since my grandparents did tell me to go to a different village. At some point though, I ended up meeting some people who were going here, and so I decided to go with them to see what a town inhabited by people is like”
“Are you going back?”

“Well, I am worried and I also have some attachment to that house I made that I lived in for 3 years. Alternatively, I might also be able to find a place to live in deep in the forest around here.”

“Um, how about no? Go live in the town. Why do you have to go all the way to the forest to live?”
“Well the house is made by magic, and food is dealt with, by simply hunting, like this it’s quite the carefree lifestyle, you know? Oh, money also isn’t needed.”

“Ryouma, this one thinks that you being a hermit at that age is too early.”
“That’s true…… I can vaguely feel it.”

“Well just think hard enough about it to have no regrets. I’d be grateful if you stayed here, but it’s better if you choose to live here without being burdened. Just go live the way you want.

For the mean time the properties of the people who were embezzling money were confiscated, and the people who worked with them had their salaries cut. All those funds retrieved will be used as finances for the town so for the mean time there will be money. So at the very least the town will have money to hire people to handle things.

……Anyway with this I’ve given you guys what I needed to give you. And also, there’s one last thing I need to let you guys know. A few days from now, a request will be posted regarding the subjugation of the monsters taking nest inside the mine. Practically speaking, that mine has been abandoned years ago but it’s only this year that it will be officially declared as abandoned. There are several kinds of magical beasts taking nest inside that mine. Their mostly just a bunch of small beasts but the scope is wide so they want to hire adventurers for the job. Take those jobs and kick their asses. Dismissed!”

Like that we were dismissed and we each went our own ways. I went back to the lodging where Elia and the rest were waiting for me. From the looks of things, they wanted us to eat lunch together and so they had waited for me. I give my thanks, take my seat, and have lunch with them. At which point Elia said this

“Ryouma-san, let’s have special training!”
“What’s the matter all of the sudden?”

… I feel like we’d also had a similar conversation in the past…

“I’ll be having special training from today onwards so I wanted to know if Ryouma-san might want to join too.”
“The truth is, this trip is not only just a trip, but also for the sake of serving as Elia’s battle practice.”
“My household does not discriminate between men and women and makes its members go on a journey for the sake of practicing magic and slave magic. Depending on how good one is, they can also become an adventurer.”

“Going on a trip, widening one’s knowledge and getting a better outlook on life is good for the family. But in order to do something like that, it’s necessary to have the strength to do so. We could just assign some escorts for our heirs as well, but then it will be uncomfortable for them, and also since they won’t be putting any effort, the results will be half-baked. So with that in mind, Elia will be fighting personally in order to gain the power to protect herself in the future.”

“From this year on, I will be going to school to learn magic and academics. So before that, I wanted to gather some experience.”
“I see, so that’s why you came here.”
“That’s right. Since this morning until just a while ago I’ve been practicing and this afternoon as well I’ll be practicing again. So how about it? Won’t Ryouma-san join the training as well?”

This is a good opportunity

“If I won’t be in the way, then please allow me to participate.”

Like that I ended up joining the afternoon training.

We went out the city on carriage and after 20 minutes arrived to a rocky place, where Jill-san and the rest were waiting for us. It seems that our training for today is about magic.

“Ryouma, so you came too. The three days must have been tough, huh?”
“Jill-san as well, I heard you’ve been busy too.”
“Well in its own way.”
“Come on, no more talking, and let’s go practice!”

Said, the excited Ojousama.

“By the way, which attribute will we be training today?”
“Fire and ice is my specialty. Since I have plenty of magic power, if I practice a lot, I’ll able to use a lot of powerful magic”

Lots of powerful magic, huh? Just what you’d expect from someone that specializes in fire.

“Ryouma-sama, just as I’ve mentioned before, it would be good for Ryouma-sama to learn several attack magic of differing attributes. The Ojousama has been training controlling her magic power since this morning.”

After that, our teachers became Sebasu-san for Elia, and Camil-san for me.

“Well then, shall we start?”
“Yes, please take care of me.”
“Here too. It’s just something I heard but, Ryouma has all attribute aptitude, right?”
“Yes, that’s correct. However, I’ve only trained the basic attack magic and the magic I can use in my day-to-day life.”
“Ok. Then can you show me the attack magic that you can use?”
“Alright.”

Saying that, I used the basic magic of fire, water, wind, earth, electricity, ice, and poison on the nearby rock. Specifically, the name of the magic are, Fire Ball, Water Ball, Wind Cutter, Earth Needle, Stun, Ice Shot, and Poison.

“Nice, even if it’s just basic magic, that was still pretty good. If you can do this much then you can probably easily learn the next magic. First off, I’ll show you the new magic one by one. After seeing it, I want you to try it yourself.”
“Alright, I’ll do my best.”
“Then let’s go. First off, is the fire magic, ‘Fire Arrow’ “

The moment Camil-san chanted the magic, fire lit up from his hand, quickly forming into an arrow and flying straight into the rock.

“This is the lesser offensive fire magic, Fire Arrow. It’s faster than Fire Ball and has the power to penetrate through its target. This is the most common, and easiest to use fire magic. Try it yourself.”
“Ok.”

Remembering Camil-san’s fire arrow, I try to recreate it. Just like Fire Ball, I create a ball of fire in my hands, but this time, I compress it and gather it together, and in my mind I imagine an arrow being shot. Then I chant it.

“Fire Arrow”

As I said those words, a Fire Arrow just like Camil-san’s appears, and flies straight into the rock.

“Good, you succeeded. To get it on the first try, your comprehension is good.”
 
Oh? Will I be suspected at a time like this, like they would in a generic light novel? Should I try to trick him a bit?

“It’s because I use the bow. So it was quite easy to create the image.”
“I see. Right, there was also that.”
“Also?”
“Yeah, from time to time there are people who aren’t magicians but use magic in their day to day lives. And even, without learning offensive magic, they manage to raise the level of their magic.

That kind of person, is the type that can quickly learn the magic as long as he creates the image. Depending on the person he or she will usually be able to get it at the second or third try”

Oh, it doesn’t look like the learning speed is that different from the ones in the light novels… that’s good.

After that I also learned the offensive magic, Water Shot, Wind Hammer, Rock bullet, Stun Arrow, and Ice Arrow.

As well as the defensive magic, Fire Wall, Water Wall, Wind Shield, and Ice Shield.

Also it would seem that Camil-san can only use all the low class attributes plus the electric and ice attribute. Because of that he wasn’t able to teach me poison, tree and the high class attribute skills.

“Well I’ve taught you everything so…… shall we go to the middle class and increase the training speed…… yeah…………”

Looks like my learning speed is fast but not abnormal, because of that though, it would appear he’s run out of teaching material. Seeing Camil-san troubled, Sebasu-san came.

“Is there a problem?”
“Sebasu-san.”
“Ryouma-kun’s comprehension is really good. I ended up already teaching him everything I can teach.”
“I see, it was something like that. Then, in that case, I will teach him space magic from here on.”

Brilliant! A space magician who is distinguished even in the country is going to teach me! Lucky!

“Well then, I’ll be going. Do your best, Ryouma-kun.”
“Thank you very much, Camil-san. Please take care of me, Sebasu-san.”
“Then let’s start. First off, does Ryouma-sama have any other space magic other than Item Box?”
“I can use Teleport”
“If it would be fine with Ryouma-sama, could Ryouma-sama please show me?”
“Yes, of course. Then, ‘Teleport’! “

~ Side Sebasu~

Ryouma-sama invocated teleport and appeared beside the nearby rock. From there, he used Teleport 4 more times consecutively, and then came back right in front of me. Excellent. It looks like he understands the magic well.
“That was excellently done, Ryouma-sama. Not only is the speed of invocation fast, but Ryouma-sama was even able to use it consecutively. With this, there should be no problem to use even the middle class magic, Dimension Home, as well as the mid-distance movement magic, Warp.”
“Really!?”
“Yes, it’s true. Is Ryouma-sama aware of the reason as to why the high class attribute, space magic, is hard to use?”
“I don’t know”
“Then in that case, how does space magic work?”
“Well first, one interferes with the dimension using magic power and then distorts it. I believe this to be the basic of the magic.”
“Precisely. However, it is that basic, the foundation, which is the act of interfering with the dimension using magic power that many people find themselves stumbling. The thing called dimension or space is always there. However, the number of people that can truly be aware of it is rare.

Amongst the books that talk about space magic there are many that exaggerate and say things like, “space magic encompasses everything in the world” leading to many people failing to grasp a strong image of it. Because of this, the interference ends up as incomplete.

The truly important part regarding space magic is how one would be able to grasp the space that one is in right now. However, this is not something that you can explain in words. An understanding that comes from words, will only be incomplete. The only way for one to grasp this understanding, is to practice, and understand the feeling. And unless one is able to properly do that, one will not be able to use mid-level space magic up.

Ryouma-sama might find himself quite shocked if I were to say this, but, in truth, low level space magic is the same as mid-level magic.”
“!?”

Fufu… as expected he’s quite shocked.

“In the past space magic didn’t have the low level magic that we have today. One theory says that there used to be no distinction between low level and mid-level. The reason for that is that whether one is able to properly grasp space magic or not, is the only time one can be considered to have taken their first step in space magic. If one is unable to properly grasp that, then the space will only either end in failure or be incomplete. But as time went the number of people that could use space magic decreased and the quality of the space magicians as a whole fell. Because of this, what was once considered to be low level magic has become the mid-level magic, today, and what was considered as a failure is now a low level magic.”

“So I can use the same image I use for Item Box and Teleport for Dimension Home and Warp?”
“That’s correct, however in the case of Dimension Home there are still things that need to be supplemented but in the case of Warp, that’s exactly correct. Just one thing though, since the distance Warp can travel is far greater than Teleport, as long as one is able to properly grasp the destination, then one will be able to go no matter how far. For starters, how about that rock’s summit?”

I point my finger at the farthest rock that I can see. The rock is quite big as well but more than that, it’s perfect because its summit is flat, so it can serve as a foothold.

“I understand, please let me try it”

Ryouma-sama looks like he’s up to challenge. This kind of attitude is the kind that’s worth teaching.

I wonder how many people have I taught magic like this?…………Having been born in the Household of Jamil as someone who possessed talent for Space Magic. While serving the household I did nothing but study and train both as a butler and as a magician.

My magic was quite useful during the days I travelled with the previous head. And when our journey ended, I supported the previous head every day…… I think it was around this time when people started calling me a distinguished space magician within the country.

Before I knew it, the magic that I had been studying, training, and using since I was a child, had become a topic all over the country. The cause was apparently when I used Dimension Home to store a great number of things in order to help the previous head.

After that, a lot of people came asking to become my disciple. They would bring letters with them petition for them to be taken as my disciple, but I rejected all of them. Unfortunately, amongst them, were those that would directly go to the previous head and use their connection as a shield and ask for the vassal or children to be taught.

Of course, ignoring those kind of people would be problematic so I taught them… however, there were truly far too many of them. When the number of people I taught numbered over 100, I had stopped counting, but even then, the number of people that could use mid-level magic above, could not reach even 10. The many sons of the different noble households in particular, would not listen to me when I told them that Space Magic is not something that can be taught through words, showed their displeasure and was not able to properly train.

A person like Ryouma-sama who meekly follows instructions, and earnestly pursues magic training is the kind of person that is most enjoyable to teach. If he has talent, then it’ll be even more interesting. Until now, I wonder if there has ever been a single person that I wanted to teach magic to, by my own decision. There may have been, I don’t know, at the very least I don’t remember.

While I was thinking these things, Ryouma-sama closed his eyes, and focused solely on concentrating his spirit. What a brilliant child, to actually be able to concentrate to this extent… however, it does beg the question, what kind of training did he undergo to become like this?

Now that I think about it, when I met Ryouma-sama for the first time, he was quite the twisted boy. When I first heard about him, I found out that he was a strange boy who was living in the forest without his parents. When I had finally met him in person, I noticed his appearance to be quite neat, considering the time he had spent isolated in the forest. When he first spoke, it was a manner of speech so polite that he would pass even as a noble. And when he had invited us inside, what he brought out for us was the highest class of black tea coupled with the luxurious honey.

His house was like that of a noble’s. It was sturdy, comfortable, and even had its own bath. Appearance aside, if only comfort were to be taken into consideration, then it could definitely be lined up alongside the houses of those nobles.
But more than anything, what was unusual was the knowledge and techniques he possessed. He researched slimes, which no one had been researching, and with the Cleaner Slime and the Scavenger Slime he was able to make his life more comfortable. He even managed to create water proof cloths and thread of a quality that was never before seen.

On the way to Gimuru, he mentioned that he was able to extract the poison from the rock salt that could be taken from the mountain. When Rheinhart-sama showed his interest in it as a product, he said, “The amount is insufficient, if we were to bring that into the market, we’d lose out to the others that can produce more.” That moment, he showed a knowledge that only someone who was raised as a noble or as the son of merchant would have.

And even now, I can still see it, the empty eyes he showed when we got to the town, and the ability he showed when he protected the Ojousama from the ruffians. And when we got to this town, he was able to put a stop to an epidemic that no one knew of, a young boy like that managed to achieve such a splendid achievement.

What is normally impossible for other children, this child does. This child normally shows an adult-like exterior but, recently he seemed to have started to open up his heart to us a bit, and from time to time will shows us an expression befitting his age. Ryouma-sama is….

“Sebasu-san”

Oh, I forgot myself there for a moment.

“Yes, what is it?”
“I think I can do it, let me show you.”
“Please, go ahead.”
“Alright, I’m going. ‘Warp’ “

In the next moment, Ryouma-sama disappeared and then reappeared at the top of the rock I pointed at, a while ago. Seeing that, I too warped to the rock.

“Congratulations. Ryouma-sama has successfully learned the mid-level space magic, Warp”
“Yey! Thank you! Sebasu-san!”

Fufu… at times like this, he acts like his age, huh?

“Well then, next, I’ll begin the explanations for Dimension Home. At its core, it is generally the same. Ryouma-sama is to open a hole, and inside that hole spread it wide, and with Ryouma-sama’s image create a big room inside.

It’s the same up this part as with the Item Box. But, leaving the long explanation aside, in this instance, please create a scenery inside the space that is similar to the one here. The Dimension Home is different from the Item Box in that it has its own atmosphere.

And it’s because of that, that living inside or keeping animals inside is possible. If the magic fails to replicate this, then it is the low level magic, Item Box”
“Alright, I got it”

As Ryouma-sama said that, he started concentrating again. Because it’s a difficult magic, far more complex than Warp, Ryouma-sama is desperately trying to grasp the feeling of the magic.

Ryouma-sama tried to use Dimension Home but, even after several tries, all that came out was an empty hole. During that time I would let Ryouma-sama know that it’s a failure and once again, Ryouma-sam will concentrate, try again, and fail.

Repeating that, Ryouma-sama began to soak in sweat, but despite this, Ryouma-sama’s concentration wasn’t broken. And then, from time to time, while taking a break, Ryouma-sama would practice. Like this, we passed an hour, a second, a third, and finally a fourth. When the fourth hour struck, Ryouma-sama chanted as if he was whispering

“… ‘Dimension Home’ …”

At that moment, Ryouma-sama managed to create a white hole that is connected to an empty space with Dimension Home.

“Congratulations. Ryouma-sama has also succeeded with Dimension Home”
“Yes! Thank you so much! Like this I’ll be able to put the slimes inside and carry them with me!”

“I’m happy to have been of help to Ryouma-sama. Also, if the space of this space that Ryouma-sama had created just now were to be too narrow, it is possible to increase the size of a new space at the cost of a significant amount of magic power. In such a case, please remember, that a black empty hole means a failure, and a white hole means success.”
“Understood”
“Well then, let’s return to where the Ojousama and the others are, since it’s already gotten quite dark”
“Eh……? Ah!? Time flew by quite fast, huh?”

Looks like he didn’t notice it.

“It’s because Ryouma-sama was focused. Well then, let’s go. ‘Warp’ “